GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound have transformed the weight-loss conversation—but some patients say the changes haven’t stopped at their waistlines.

Alongside weight loss and appetite control, some users are reporting a surprising change: a noticeable loss of interest in activities they once loved. Doctors have described this experience as potentially resembling anhedonia, a term used for a reduced ability to experience pleasure.

For Dave, a father of four who uses GLP-1 medication to manage Type 2 diabetes and his weight, the first warning sign wasn’t food. It was baseball.

After losing 53 pounds, Dave realized he had gradually stopped following his beloved Chicago Cubs. Something that had been a major part of his life simply didn’t seem as exciting anymore.

“I haven’t been following baseball at all,” he recalled.

The change extended beyond sports. Dave also found it unexpectedly difficult to motivate himself to exercise or make other lifestyle changes.

Obesity specialist Dr. Christopher McGowan says he has heard similar concerns from patients, although the phenomenon has not been established as a common side effect in the original clinical trials. He explains that GLP-1 medications influence brain pathways involved in both hunger and reward, raising questions about whether their effects could extend beyond appetite.

The reports remain largely anecdotal, and researchers are still trying to understand the connection.

Dave eventually paused treatment for several weeks before restarting Zepbound at a lower dose. He says the adjustment helped him control his blood sugar and appetite while regaining motivation for activities—including trips to the gym and following his favorite team.

Doctors emphasize that anyone experiencing significant changes in mood, motivation or enjoyment should discuss them with their healthcare provider rather than changing medication independently.